1. Concerns in Medication Safety in Regards to the Older Adult Population Stephanie A. Ball, Taylor W. Brickley, Macey F. Davenport, Kelly L. Erexson, Emily K. Falcon, Cierra N. Witten

2. Introduction

3. Key Ideas

9. The healthcare team must not only have an excellent understanding of the physiological changes of the older adult, but also pharmacological knowledge and knowledge of the potential issues that may arise from providing the medication (Tweddle, 2009 p. 938). This involves knowledge of the actions, interactions, potential adverse reactions (including side effects and allergic reactions), usual dose, route and approved use, basic pharmacokinetics of the drug and the patient’s response to it (Choo et al. 2010, p. 857). Taking too many medications at a time can have not only drug- on-drug reactions, but also that in the older population this many drugs causes an enormous safety risk.

10. The nurse plays the pivotal role in collaborative care where they can voice problems to other members of the team or even question physician orders (Choo et al. 2010, p. 859). Not only is the nurse responsible for administering medications, but he or she also must clearly communicate their actions to all members of the healthcare team. The use of informatics is one of the core competencies of the Institute of Medicine. Due to the fact that the nurse is the front line for medical administration it is important for nurses to be involved in both the design and implementation of any new informatics system (Choo et al. 2010, p. 858).

11. The IOM has stressed the application of quality improvement. There must be an increase in safety education for healthcare professionals in order to help prevent errors (Finkelman & Kenner, 2013, p. 367). Polypharmacy When older adults have several treatments at the same time it can lead to medication errors, such as a higher chance of adverse drug interactions (Fialova & Onder, 2009, p. 641). Method Having an organizational method for all their medications can be one of several effective methods of medication safety practices.

14. Evidence based practice combines research and its results to help create safe and effective patient care. One of the IOM’s focuses is on the implementation of evidence-based practice. The use of evidence based practice methods help to ensure that medications are being safely administered to our elderly population. In order to provide safe delivery of medications, the nurse must have the knowledge about the many changes that occur with aging, the medications the individual is taking, and how to educate the healthcare professionals on the effects these factors have on medication administration in the elderly population. Evidence based practice provides healthcare providers with this knowledge and allows them to implement systems to reduce errors and maintain safety.

16. Conclusion

17. References

18. Image references